What's the Best Ski/Snowboard Boot Warmer, Electric or Chemical?

After trying several foot warming options, we finally fixed our freezing toes situation. Here's what worked for us on the ski/snowboarding hill.

GearDaniel ZilcsakJanuary 28, 2018Crystal MountainArticle, Alpine, Mountain, Snow, Ski, Snowboard, Winter, Equipment, Guide, Gear, Resort Comments

Backpacking Mount Rainier's Wonderland Trail (video)

In this video, walk with us along the spectacular Wonderland Trail around the majestic Mount Rainier.

BackpackingDaniel ZilcsakAugust 26, 2017Article, Hiking, Backpacking, Backcountry, Multi Day, Washington, Mount Rainier National Park, Alpine, Camp, Classic, Creek, Crevasse, Fire Lookout, Glacier, Lakes, Mountain, Meadows, Off Trail, Pass, Ridge, Snow, Sunset, Sunrise, Views, Volcano, Waterfall, Wildlife, Wilderness, Nature, Outdoors, National Park, FeaturedComment

A Simple Food Plan for First Time Backpacking

Whether going backpacking for the first time or just want to see somebody else's take on food and related gear, here's our recommendation.

GearDaniel ZilcsakJuly 30, 2017Article, Backpacking, Backcountry, Camp, Equipment, Guide, Gear, Outdoors, Overnight, Multi Day, Food, Hiking, Most Popular Comment

Backpacking Shi Shi Beach and Point of the Arches

A short backpacking trip leads you to the heart of a remote Pacific Ocean beach for the most spectacular sunsets. Here’s what Shi Shi is about, and more.

The Secret to Getting a John Muir Trail Permit

The secret to a JMT permit? No magic incantations, just persistence and flexibility. Here's a short list of tips we believe will get you one this year.

Daniel ZilcsakJune 30, 2017John Muir Trail, California, Sierra Nevada, Backpacking, Multi Day, Hiking, Article, Guide, Outdoors, Backcountry, Permit, Yosemite National Park, National Park, Lottery, Most Popular Comments

The Best Guide Book, Maps, and Navigation Apps for the John Muir Trail

Here's our recommendation for a good guide book, maps, and navigation apps for your John Muir Trail hike, with a funny intro we call "the cover guy story".

GearDaniel ZilcsakJune 16, 2017John Muir Trail, California, Sierra Nevada, Backpacking, Multi Day, Hiking, Article, Guide, Outdoors, Equipment, Backcountry, GearComment

How Did We Decide to Hike the John Muir Trail

How did we pull the trigger to try a multi-week backpacking trip, when our previous "record" was merely five or six days in the wilderness? It turns out all we needed was a spark.

Daniel ZilcsakApril 19, 2017John Muir Trail, California, Sierra Nevada, Backpacking, Multi Day, Hiking, Article, Backcountry Comments

What's the Best Ski and Snowboard Lock?

In this post I'm exploring options for choosing a ski/snowboard lock. None of them is perfect, but I think I found one that I really like.

GearDaniel ZilcsakJanuary 10, 2017Alpine, Ski, Snowboard, Equipment, Resort, Winter, Snow, Article, Gear, Most Popular Comments

Favorite Podcasts That I Always Bring Along

I love listening to a half hour of good science before I go to bed. Here's my top science podcasts that I always bring along on my travels, especially in the backcountry.

GearDaniel ZilcsakJanuary 3, 2017Podcast, Science, Astronomy, Space, Article, Backpacking, Internet, Tech, Gear Comment

Internet Connectivity on The John Muir Trail

Sharing the hot spots of internet connectivity we encountered along the John Muir Trail and our experience staying connected and sending updates from the trail.

GearDaniel ZilcsakAugust 5, 2016Tuloumne MeadowsJohn Muir Trail, California, Sierra Nevada, Social Media, Backpacking, Multi Day, Yosemite National Park, Article, Internet, Guide, People, Tech, Gear Comments

Backpacking the John Muir Trail - Our Complete Story

This is a concise guide and the story of our 18-day backpacking trip along the 215-mile John Muir Trail.

BackpackingDaniel ZilcsakAugust 1, 2016John Muir TrailJohn Muir Trail, California, Sierra Nevada, Guide, Backpacking, Multi Day, Hiking, Article, Lottery, Permit, Featured Comments

Backpacking Marmot Pass and Buckhorn Mountain, a Weekend Trip

An Olympic National Park classic, Marmot Pass is an ideal destination for a weekend backpacking, panoramic views from Buckhorn Mountain and sunset camping.

BackpackingTimea ZilcsakJuly 23, 2016Marmot PassAlpine, Backcountry, Washington, Camp, Creek, Forest, Trail, Olympic Peninsula, Meadows, Nature, Pass, Ridge, Summit, Wildlife, Olympic National Park, Overnight, Backpacking, Favorite, Article, Views, Featured, National Park Comment

Backpacking Navaho Pass and Navaho Peak, a Weekend Trip

Navaho Pass/Navaho Peak is one of the best choices for early season backpacking, with lots of options for extending your trip or exploring around camp.

BackpackingDaniel ZilcsakJuly 2, 2016Wildlife, Meadows, Creek, Camp, Summit, Ridge, Pass, Snoqualmie Pass, Salmon La Sac, Teanaway, Washington, Overnight, Backpacking, Favorite, Scrambling, Article, Views, Featured, Most Popular Comments

Backpacking the Enchantments, Washington's Finest Alpine Lakes

Washington’s very best backpacking: a combination of alpine lakes, streams, meadows, dramatic rocky peaks, open trails, high camps, and lots of goats!

Climbing Mount Baker via the Easton Glacier Route

This is the story of our three day climb to the summit of Mount Baker via the Easton Glacier Route.

Caulitz Rocks - Thwarted by Whiteout Conditions

Our attempt to reach Caulitz Rocks for a scramble on the south side of Mount Rainier failed due to whiteout conditions. Got to greet the marmots instead.

Vesper Peak - A Favorite Hike With Outstanding Views

Vesper Peak, one of the best hikes in the North Cascades. You are rewarded with fabulous views of some of the most spectacular peaks in Washington State.

Mountaineering, HikesDaniel ZilcsakJuly 12, 2014Summit, Camp, Pass, Lakes, North Cascades, Mountain Loop Highway, Washington, Scrambling, Hiking, Overnight, Article, Views, Trail, Mountain, Alpine, Favorite, Forest, Creek, Less Traveled, Off Trail, Ridge, Wilderness, Backcountry, Outdoors, Nature, Featured Comments

Mount Angeles - A Signature Experience Near Hurricane Ridge

Mount Angeles is a signature scrambling hike offering some terrific views of the Olympic National Park, accessible from the Hurricane Ridge.

A Journey on This Pale Blue Dot